Out of the Mouth of Babes

The last time Addison saw her doctor, Dr. Ben, was a few weeks ago. She was having allergy issues and was up every night in the middle of the night coughing until she eventually threw.......well, some people that read this are a little weak stomached, so you get the picture. After some allergy medicine, cough syrup and a round of antibiotics, it became much better.

So, today as I was working, Jeremy sat across the hospital campus in an ENT's waiting room with Addison. This was the first time he'd ever taken her to a doctor's office alone. This time he was the patient and it was her first trip back to the doctor since seeing Dr. Ben.

As they sat there waiting, Jeremy text me - I could tell from his text that he was tickled over something she had said. See, you never know what's going through a kid's head at any given point - well, that is until they voice it, and then it's so funny, it takes forever to regain enough composure to wonder where it came from. So, needless to say, Jeremy was quite overtaken with amusement and laughter when she turns and looks at him and matter of factly states this - "Dr. Ben is a good man. He don't make me throw up!"

I had no clue she even remembered who Dr. Ben was. I guess she thought she was back to see him and wasn't dreading it. LOL! And secondly, what three year old comes up with - "he's a good man?"

Don't Panic

I have changed some things around on my blog, so don't panic. I've tried to make commenting a little easier. There should be one page that will allow you to do everything you need to do without any stress. You can continue to sign in the same way you did before, but this screen seems to be a little easier to comment from. If not, I'll alter it again.

Give me your feedback on it.

Men and Women

A friend sent me this the other day and I think it's just hilarious. For some strange reason, Jeremy doesn't see it as humorous as I do!

What A Woman Wants in a Man

Original List:
1. Handsome
2. Charming
3. Financially successful
4. A caring listener
5. Witty
6. In good shape
7. Dresses with style
8. Appreciates finer things
9. Full of thoughtful surprises
10. An imaginative, romantic lover



What A Woman Wants in a Man, Revised List

(age 32)

1. Nice looking
2. Opens car doors, holds chairs
3. Has enough money for a nice dinner
4. Listens more than talks
5. Laughs at my jokes
6. Carries bags of groceries with ease
7. Owns at least one tie
8. Appreciates a good home-cooked meal
9. Remembers birthdays and anniversaries
10. Seeks romance at least once a week



What I Want in a Man, Revised List

(age 52)

1. Not too ugly
2. Doesn't drive off until I'm in the car
3. Works steady - splurges on dinner out occasionally
4. Nods head when I'm talking
5. Usually remembers punch lines of jokes
6. Is in good enough shape to rearrange the furniture
7. Wears a shirt that covers his stomach
8. (I don't drink so this wasn't applicable)
9. Remembers to put the toilet seat down
10. Shaves most weekends

What I Want in a Man, Revised List

(age 62)

1. Keeps hair in nose and ears trimmed
2. Doesn't belch or scratch in public
3. Doesn't borrow money too often
4. Doesn't nod off to sleep when I'm venting
5. Doesn't retell the same joke too many times
6. Is in good enough shape to get off couch on weekends.
7. Usually wears matching socks and fresh underwear
8. Appreciates a good TV dinner
9. Remembers your name on occasion
10. Shaves some weekends



What I Want in a Man, Revised List

(age 72)

1. Doesn't scare small children
2. Remembers where bathroom is
3. Doesn't require much money for upkeep
4. Only snores lightly when asleep
5. Remembers why he's laughing
6. Is in good enough shape to stand up by himself
7. Usually wears some clothes
8. Likes soft foods
9. Remembers where he left his teeth
10. Remembers that it's the weekend



What I Want in a Man, Revised List

(age 82)

1. Breathing
2. Doesn't miss the toilet.

Finally Satisfied

I have spent the last 2 days searching diligently for some friends of mine (and Laura's) that I lost contact with in the past few years. Since our last contact, phone numbers have changed and it's been a chore attempting to find them. And the thing is, I could have driven there and found them sooner (I feel sure) than finding them online and through family members - which happened to be final step before I reached them.

So, this morning I got back on that task and around noon today, I finally heard the voices I was interested in hearing. And oh, how good it did my heart! I could have talked all day. It was such a wonderful feeling!

After I finally talked to both of them, I called my mom and Laura to tell them the news. Mom was just relieved that I'd quit calling to tell of my failures - I think I was driving her crazy about it! I finally called after about 15 times to tell her that I'd been successful! I felt like some weight had been lifted right off my chest. Every time Mom has answered the phone for the past two days, her greeting has been, "Did you get them?" LOL!

Recently while I was home in Alabama a week or so ago, I was reading through a long list of "Life's Rules"(or something like that) that still hang in my old bedroom. It's been there for ages. I left it there when I moved. I read through it every time I go back. One of the last things that is written there is "Rekindle old friendships!" So, between having that phrase stuck in my head and posting that song "Count on Me," it was just too much to ignore.

It's such a rewarding task! I promise you it will make your week if you try it....just like it has mine! So, now that I've experienced such a pleasurable day, let me encourage you to do the same. Call a friend you haven't talked to in a while. It's easy to get so caught up in daily life and totally forget the ones that matter.

So, Tina and Tosha, welcome back to my world! To you who read my blog on a regular basis, I just wanted to introduce you to the ones who have inspired me! These are the individuals that I was referring to from my teenage years on the post with the "Count On Me" video. They are a mother / daughter team and I love them to pieces.

Now, my heart is finally satisfied. My goal has been achieved. And I'm so grateful!

I Bring It to You

I sat in my office the other day at work listening to Pandora radio on my phone. This song came on by the Isaacs. I had never heard it before - although, now I understand that it is also sung by Avalon! I can't find a youtube video of it, but the words are just so awesome!

I wanted to post them......have you ever felt this way?

All of these words on paper
All of these thoughts in my head
The times I feel out of favor
The fear that sleeps in my bed

All of these stones in my pocket
My dreams that crashed on the shore
Faith when I thought I lost it
I lay it all at Your door

I bring it to You
There's wonder in all that You do
I bring You the scraps that make up my soul
You make me whole, I'm gold
I bring it to You

Songs I've shouted to heaven
The grace I've never deserved
All these gifts I've been given
The life that I find in Your word

I bring it to You
There's wonder in all that You do
I bring You the scraps that make up my soul
You make me whole, I'm gold
I bring it to You

I give You the glory
And I praise Your holy name
But more than anything
I bring You love
I bring You love

I bring it to You
There's wonder in all that You do
I bring You the scraps that make up my soul
You make me whole, I'm gold
I bring it to You

I bring it to You
There's wonder in all that You do
I bring You the scraps that make up my soul
You make me whole, I'm gold
I bring it to You

Trip Pics

These are the pictures I promised last night. I like them, anyway! I assume anyone would be able to tell which two belong to Laura. They are both the spitting image of her. lol! (Note: Pictures will enlarge if you click on them)

Update

Well, for just a little bit of an update, I'll tell you what's up and coming in our world.

Thursday night, we were able to hear the edited, but unfinished version of our CD. It is scheduled to arrive here on the 4th. We're so excited. It really sounds great. I'm really proud of what is coming.

This week will be our final BBQ and then the next week will be the conference. And then, everyone can relax and lead normal lives again. I'm not sure I remember what that was like any more. I feel like I've been fundraising and choir practicing for the past year. I can't put into words how excited I am for the third week of April to arrive. Maybe there will be a hint of normalcy in it. Maybe.

Addison and I arrived back from Alabama this past week and hit the ground running. The next three weeks are going to be busy busy busy, but hopefully full of great memories. I'll try to post the tidbits as I can. I'll post pictures of that trip soon, too. I got some really great ones!

Spring is Here!

I figured I'd post this for a Monday AND for spring!

A Promise I Made

I promised a friend of mine that I would post this song. The memories this song in particular brings to my mind are of more value than I could ever express. I could tell you all about it, but I'm sure it would bore you to no end. But, I will tell you that the friendships in which this song revolved around, were lifelines for my sister and myself. It was a friendship that was offered to us in the worst time of our young teenage years and it gave us a reason to believe in people. That friendship alone was probably more inspiring than any we had ever known. It is still something that we cherish the memory of.

So, to make a long story short, I remembered this song the other night in a conversation with some friends on what I would consider one of the rougher days of their lives.

I promised that friend that I would post this so she could see it at any time she wanted. Having friends is one of the most important things in the world to me. And the best way to have good friends is to be one. There's not many things in life that can't be made better by having a friend to talk to. Somehow pain becomes a little easier to bear when it's shared with a friend.

A note before the video - the live version is not half as good as the original version. For some reason, the studio version is much better. But this is the best I could do! I hope you like it.

Where I Stand

I have to tell you - all this buzz about Israel has me a little un-nerved. The last two times I've turned on the radio, I've heard indicators or rumors that the reason the leadership of our country is kinda giving Israel the look down the nose is because we need to increase our standing in the other middle eastern "states" or countries. If you're unaware of what I'm referring to, here's a story, here's a story, here's a story, and here's a story, you can read that may help bring you up to date. (these are stories from liberal AND conservative news sources - so I couldn't be accused of being biased in my information sources)

Now, that, my friend, has me a little nervous - to say the least. I'll explain why.

It doesn't help that I've been studying the book of Joshua somewhat extensively here recently. I've always known that Joshua was a tough man, but this time around, I guess I didn't remember it as well as I thought I did. But there's something that I read again that really jumped out at me this time around and as I read it, and reread it, it seemed to get stuck in my brain and pierce my soul as to where we stand today. After Joshua and the men of Israel had defeated region after region - king after king, Joshua 11:20 records,

"For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the Lord commanded Moses."

Now I'm no scholar by any stretch of the imagination, but it seems to me that in slow motion, we are watching the book of Joshua - before the battles - happen all over again. And the United States is slowly but surely becoming sympathetic to the Middle Eastern Regions - whatever the reasons may be. And all along, we thought, as Christians our nation was going to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel. Obviously that's not going to be the case, if we continue the direction we're going. That kinda makes me a bit uneasy, to say the least.

So, I find myself wondering, is God hardening the hearts of our leaders intentionally to fulfill prophecy?.....if so, I don't want to be around to watch. We all know that there is not going to be peace in Israel - with their neighbors, but ultimately in the end, we all know Israel wins - regardless of what opinions may be. I am not sympathetic at ALL towards the Palestinians.

If I thought Joshua was a tough man - you nor I have seen or heard a thing yet as to what the King of Kings has up his sleeve to destroy those who come against Israel. Well, yes, we've heard it - but really - we haven't grasped it. There's no way to even imagine the destruction....I'm not willing to risk sympathy to anyone who will receive such a punishment. Not in this life!

So, as T.D. Jakes would say...."Get ready, get ready, get ready........"

Speaking of Israel, someone gave a good analogy saying, "For us to understand Israel, why don't we just stop the growth of Texas with Americans and let the illegal Mexicans do what they want with it - and see how you feel about that." I think not.

BTW, I have nothing against Mexicans who come here LEGALLY. Heaven knows I love their food!

Done - Well, Almost

There are a few small details left in my landscaping project - for instance: two posts that are sticking out of the ground with nothing on them are waiting for birdhouses to sit on top of them. And for a small flower bed to be planted underneath them.

And the big landscaped area is missing a few "heads" of kale (flowers). Otherwise, here is my almost completed project. I was asked by my mom to post them tonight, so here they are. And a few extra pics of my help I had today.....and it was so wonderful to have a couple extra hands.




Below is my $10 craigslist steal. I bought if from an old woman who just needed the room for an exercise bike. It's wrought iron and very heavy. It was a hunter green color and I painted it black. I've somehow inherited some interesting cactus plants from neighbors and Jeremy's kin. So, the two bottom plants are some experiments to see how well they grow after being cut and replanted. The top is a recovering aloe vera plant. We'll see if they survive. (I'm only posting this picture because I told Laura of my re-do and she wanted to see it.

My next project consists of getting my front door and shutters painted (any other color but black) !

Just for Fun!

Gregg has posted a new post (click to read it) today on a subject that we all would love to have written at certain times in our lives. I promise you there has been more than one occasion that I wish I could have written it.

Anyway, if you go to his site and read it, you'll understand why I've just posted this strip. Let's just say it compliments his "speech!" About a certain brand of people......please remember that he and Jeana teach a crew of young college aged students who have a tendency to make some bad decisions. I guess you could say, he's had his gut full - so my complimentary post is not in any way gender related - as it appears....I just want to make that clear right away!

My Landscaping Project

Well, this is the landscaping project that I am attempting to accomplish. As is obvious, I've been outside working instead of posting pictures of my progress. Yesterday it rained an ocean, so I wasn't able to get as much accomplished as I'd hoped, but did get a little done. So last night we traipsed off to Lowes to get the greenery which I have spent today digging holes and planting. Once again, thank God for Motrin. Couldn't move without it.

When we moved into our home in October of 2008, this was the jungle we were faced with.


Everything except the far left tree got pulled up ASAP. I couldn't get my tool to cut that stump, so it stayed. It's going this year, but has to be done by a chain and a truck, so I haven't been able to do that alone.

After everything was ripped up, this was my small feat I considered landscaping last year. It was actually just a flower bed.


This is this year's project: trust me - it's a ton more work than last year but it's definitely been worth it. I'll go in stages. - the digging / tilling, the tarp laying, the layout, the planting, and a partially completed front. It's still not complete as I write. A swing has to be hung - as the fiddler would sing, "By the PAPA!" So, we're waiting until Jeremy's day off on Monday to complete the project....I'm sure he's so happy about that.

My little helper in her gown and pajama top. She'd just crawled out of bed! LOL!

This is a little dwarf spiral spruce. It will grow to about 5 feet. I placed them on each side of my garage. I love them.

This is my halfway finished product. The other side still has the tarp on it. Please ignore the garage in the above picture. It's next on the list. It takes a day to clean it up and it takes 15 minutes to mess it up again. It'll get done at some point! At least it has a door on it that I can close! Altogether I transplanted 7 small shrubs, and planted 9 more. I've also planted 18 small decorative pieces, which you can't see real well, but they are there. How fun...... Next I'm going to start on my tomato plants. I'm really excited about that. That's my favorite plant of the year.

Well, that completes my series of pictures. I'll post more when I'm finished. I think I need to go take some more Motrin. Just thinking about it makes me hurt.

Going Green

This is about how "green" I am, too.

Church Leadership

This week one of the deacons in our church passed away. He'd been a deacon for decades here - I do believe - and then became as Bro. Ryan called him, "an honorary deacon" in his quickly fading demented days. He developed Alzheimer's and was really quite humorous. He thought every Sunday was campmeeting and we should eat at the church. Anyway, he passed away on Friday.

In the process of this, Jeremy sent out a text to our age group telling them that Bro. Chavis had passed and to pray for Sis. Chavis and Molly (their daughter). He was at work when he did this and mentioned to one of his younger female co-workers that one of our deacons had died. She replied with little emotion...."we used to have two deacons but they are both in jail now." One stabbed his girlfriend and it's untelling what the other is in for. If he told me, I can't remember.

Just the instability of her church leadership struck a funny cord with us. And I really think she might believe that's normal.

Just thought I'd share...

What a LOVELY Weekend

Well now - if I could convert "busyness" into 100 % oxygen, I could live in the hyperbaric chamber. There's a whole lot of healing that goes on in that thing, so maybe I could figure out something!

So, let's see - since I haven't posted any real thoughts of mine in a long time, so I'll start there.
First of all, I feel very privileged to see that Jeana stopped by for a little while to read my long list of lessons AND comment. It's such a rarity, I have to acknowledge it. I didn't get to go to church yesterday, so I feel like my connection with my "clique" is a very distant thing! lol!

I spent the first part of my weekend working my fingers to the bones trying to lay out my new landscape plan. It consists of a bigger "mulched garden" with bigger shrubs. I tried to turn over all the dirt with hoes, and rakes until it occurred to me that something might make that little job (although it's a big job when you're the one doing the work) easier. Me and my dumb self, worked my poor muscles into oblivion and total stiffness on Saturday and didn't get half the job done. Then my brilliant husband goes and rents a tiller today and tilled every piece of dirt in my garden and half the yard where the grass won't grow in about 20 minutes. Do you wonder how frustrating that is???? Well, don't ask - I might tell you.

I worked myself into enough of a muscle ache that by 9 p.m I didn't want to breathe deep. Even that hurt. My misery got even worse after midnight when my poor baby decided to catch a virus and start spewing everywhere I turned. I was stripping beds, throwing towels every which way you could imagine and jumping for the "bucket" every 10 minutes. My poor muscles didn't get a bit of rest. They were screaming at me by 7 a.m. Sunday morning. I guess it was a good thing I was forced to move, otherwise I would not have.

Fortunately, the hyperactivity required from my injured muscles helped them heal much faster than had I pampered them. As much as I hate to admit that!

So, now, I'm still noticing a few of those muscles that I forget about, are still there. I'm going to start again on my project first thing in the morning. I'll post some pictures when I'm done....and at the rate I'm going - don't look for anything real soon. Maybe I'll post the stages. At least my family members who've never been to my house can see it.....cough, cough....Don for instance!

Anyway, I'll hush my rambling so I can post something more interesting.....

Life Lessons 10

More life lessons.....

46. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

47. If you don't ask, you don't get.

48. Yield.

49. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Life Lessons 9

More life lessons.....

41. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

42. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

43. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

44. The best is yet to come.

45. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

Life Lessons 8

More life lessons........

36. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

37. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

40. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

Life Lessons 7

More life lessons........

31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

32. Believe in miracles.

33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

34. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

35. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

Life Lessons 6

More life lessons....

26. Always choose life.

27. Forgive everyone everything.

28. What other people think of you is none of your business.

29. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

Life Lessons 5

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy clothes. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"